Brown Spots on Nails

Brown Spots on Nails






Nails are the index of your health. The color of the nail will indicate the type of disorder or disease you have. Many kinds of primary health conditions are reflected in the form of change in nail color. Brown spots on nails or brown coloration of the entire nail can be a symptom of deficiency of nutrition or even kidney disease. It can also be indication of skin problems like psoriasis or blood related disease like anemia. Sometimes it can be simple reason of nail infection. Any type of nail discoloration can be treated if the underlying factor is known.

Causes :

Dark fingernails and toenails can be caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. Sometimes the tips of the nail become dark which is indicative of kidney problem. Skin disorder like psoriasis can also cause brown spots on nails. Kidney problems may also be the reason for change in color of the nails. Psoriasis will affect the nails and may cause brown spots on it. Deficiency of nutrients like vitamins, proteins and folic acid may also affect the nails and cause brown spots.

Sometimes fungal infection on the nails can cause discoloration. Skin Cancer can effectively change the nail color making brown spots on nails.

Symptoms :

You may see small brown colored doted spots on the fingernails or toenails. Sometimes there may be black or reddish dots on the nails. For some people only the tips of the nails have brown spots on them and for others the entire portion of the nail may change into brown color. In case of fungal infection, apart from color change, there may be foul smell and pain.

Treatment :

Your doctor will examine the affected nail to find out the real cause. In case if the change in nail color is due to infection, he may treat it with anti fungal medicines or topical ointments.

If psoriasis is the reason for brown spots on nails, he will give prescription medicines for treating skin disorders. It is easy to cure the discoloration of nails if you detect it in early stages.

Home Remedies :

Avoid changing nail polishes from others since it can be the main cause for getting infection. Do not share nail cutters or brushes to your friends since there is every chance for getting infection if any one of them already have it. You need to take your own pedicure instruments while visiting beauty salons for manicuring. Avoid removing cuticles firmly from the nail and do not clean the nails very deeply since it may cause infection.

Avoid biting the nails and always try to keep them clean and dry. Have nutritious diet rich in vitamins and proteins. Take supplementary vitamin B and calcium for building up strong nails. Include eggs, meats, whole grains and milk in your daily diet.

In case you have Ingrown Toenails, do not hesitate to consult your doctor. If your work involves using hands and nails often, wear rubber gloves for protecting your nails.

Brown spots on nails can be a symptom of underlying serious problem.

Brown Spots on Nails – Causes and Treatment

Brown Spots on Nails – Causes and Treatment

Brown Spots on Nails – Causes

Fingernails which are dark can be a symptom of Vitamin B12 deficiency or also can indicate disorders such as anemia.

Nails which are half white with dark spots, particularly on the nail tips, can be suggestive of kidney diseases.

Brown spots in fingernails which are pitted can indicate a joint or skin disorder such as psoriasis. Reddish-brown spots on the nail can be an indication of a deficiency of folic acid, protein or vitamin C in the body.

Splinter hemorrhage can show up as brown or red lines alongside the axis of the nail and can be triggered by an inflammation of the membranes of the heart known as Endocarditis or a parasitic infection from pork known as trichinosis.

Nails with a brownish tinge to them can be an indication of a fungus infection. Another cause of brown spots on the nails could also be Melanoma or Skin Cancer.

Brown Spots on Nails – Treatment

Fungal infections can also cause brittle, crumbling, or thickening nails as well as the brown spots. Your primary care physician can usually treat fungal infections with prescriptions for anti-fungal medications or with removal of the nail.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the skin and another disease which can cause brown spots on the nail. To help with the spots on the nail, your physician will need to treat the psoriasis.

There are some tips to help to maintain fingernails with are healthy, avoid infections as well as improve the appearance of the nail:

• Keep the nails dry and clean


• Avoid nail-picking or biting


• Avoid polish removers which contain formaldehyde or acetone.


• If an individual gets frequent manicures, they need to bring their own instruments.


• Do not remove cuticles or clean too deeply under the nails as this can lead to infection.


• When filing the nails do so in only one direction and slightly rounding the tip instead of filing the nail to a point. Eat a balanced diet and also take vitamins containing biotin.


• Eat lots of calcium, protein as well as vitamin B. Make certain to eat foods like eggs, dairy products, meats, as well as whole grains, in large quantities.


• Apply moisturizer to the nails as well as the cuticles each day. Creams with phospholipids, urea or lactic acid can help to prevent cracking.


• Do not dig out toenails which are ingrown – see a dermatologist if you have this problem.


• Wash the hands regularly as well as protect them from scrapes and cuts, especially when doing cleaning, gardening or doing the dishes.


• Wear gloves made of rubber if your hands are regularly in touch with water.


• Never use the nails as tools, as they can get damaged severely in the process.

In order to maintain healthy fingernails ask the doctor to look at them at your next appointment. If you have brown or dark spots which have you concerned dermatologists are very well-trained in interpreting between harmless and serious conditions of the nail as well as determining if a nail color change requires any further testing or treatment.